In a move which is likely to be very controversial, President Trump has reshuffled the makeup of the National Security Council’s principals committee, removing the top military and intelligence officials from what is meant to be the main inter-agency discussion of nation security, and adding his chief strategist, Steve Bannon.
Bannon served as CEO of Trump’s presidential campaign, and was appointed chief strategist after the election. He had not held any government positions prior to this, having most recently served as a top executive at website Breitbart News.
While Bannon will be added to the council, two other positions will be removed, including the Director of National Intelligence (as yet unconfirmed, but Sen. Dan Coats (R – IN) is nominated), and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Joseph Dunford.
Those two won’t be totally excluded from principals meetings, bbut will only be allowed to attend when as issue that falls under their respective responsibilities is to be discussed. This has some questioning how much practical impact the move will have, though the inclusion of Bannon risks accusations of increased politicization of policy-making meetings.
“though the inclusion of Bannon risks accusations of increased politicization of policy-making meetings.”
Sould not policy be the result of politics? The words may even be related. LOL.
Absurd statement no doubt sccidentally pulled in from the MSM.
Trump has plenty of generals already.
More important is the open distrust earned by the intelligence agency attack on the Administration.
For quite some time it’s been evident that it will not be a question of this administration governing ineffectively. It will be a question of whether this administration will be able to govern at all.
“Some one pick up the phone and see if the CIA or NSA or anyone knows anything about this.”
It is rather obvious that the fanatical nature of opposition to Trump generates the kind of
information that is confusing. There is no elimination, just restructuring the meetings. It is much better for the policy group in NS team to be able to openly discuss the information and recommendations comming from Pentagon and Intligence agencies. And to define policy objectives, reorganizations, focus on issues — without having the military/intelligence present. We have CIVILIAN CONTROL over military, and this is a way for civilian/policy people to consider issues without being influenced. Then
both can have a substantive discussions. This group has in the past been dominated by Intelligence and Joint Chiefs of staff —
considering the lightweight NS advisors like
Susan Rice. Keep in mind who is in lead there. Gen Flynn knows the workings of intelligence inside out, misions official and unofficial.
Given that this administration is not a one of continuity, they will have to learn things , get to know the staff. I just wish the hystrionics would give way to REAL. issues.
So far, to my amazement I did not see any comments from the expected quarters on issues like Monsanto, drug pricing, GMO, integrity in scientic research — all issues that progressives care about. Yet — somebody SHUT THEM UP, to make sure no credibility is given to any issues raised by Trump. Same goes for those that decry regime changes, color revolutions and interventions of all types. Have they not read Trump’s Foreign Policy Strategy? Have they not noticed that Trump has been repeating its key tennets before AND after the elections? That has defied his own Repunlicans to reestablish civility and look for cooperation with Russia? Has he not just call Senators McCain and Graham warmongers eager to take every chance to stsrt WWIII?
What is wrong with this picture? Are all progessives so under mighty Soros thumb — that they dare not step up, and at least hold Trump on the strsight and narrow, to stop the runaway globalist trampling of democracy?
So, something is going on — some interests much deeper then meets the eye, and those that stand to lose are moving heaven and earth to stop the process until it is too late.
Soros already said at Davos conference that Trump is unlikely to serve full term. Just idle musings, or a plan?
The general full dress rehearsal already happened –well attended, happy. If Maidan thought anything is to avoid being out there for a second one. And we are worried about the structure of meetings at the White House.
I would remove them too if they are neocons and hooked in with the military/industrial complex who would undermine Trump on foreign policy any chance they had.